The Leader is putting the spotlight on local independent traders and high street heroes across Wrexham and Flintshire.

If you know of or are a business that goes above and beyond, we want to hear from you, and celebrate our local independent traders and high street heroes. Email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk for more details.

PRETTY GREEN EYES MAKEUP AND BEAUTY, Wrexham

There is almost no business that hasn’t felt the hit of the coronavirus pandemic, with lockdown plunging many into the unknown.

Our high streets stayed empty and business owners were left wondering what the future held for them.

“To be told to close your salon or business on March 23 to the unknown of when we can reopen has been a very worrying and challenging time,” said Heidi Holt, owner of Pretty Green Eyes Makeup and Beauty, in Wrexham.

The Leader:

Above: Pretty Green Eyes Makeup and Beauty staff: from left, Lily, owner Heidi and Bailey.

But the businesswoman, who launched the salon in December 2016, wasn’t one to just sit and wait.

“I decided to do a whole salon revamp with new branding, using Sarah Bates Design to create the most amazing salon logo branding,” said Heidi, having used the time of closure productively.

And finally the news came that salons and hairdressers in Wales could open their door once again.

Pretty Green Eyes – winners of Makeup Salon of the Year in 2018 at the Welsh Hair & Beauty Awards in Cardiff - reopened last week, on an appointment only basis, to make sure everything is in place to keep staff and clients safe.

The Leader:

Heidi has gone to great lengths to meet Government guidelines, with safety measures put in place, as she and other small businesses in the area look to create a “safe and once again bustling environment” in the town.

Highlighting the steps she’s taken, Heidi said: “Salon safety is my utmost priority and to get the salon ready for the post Covid-19 conditions has been very thorough.

“For example, correct PPE, signage, staff training, enhanced salon ventilation and internal social distancing measures.

“I have also invested in equipment that makes for a safer works space, including nails tables with extractor fans and air purifier system.”

Reopening was obviously an anxious time but Heidi said on the day: “Today went amazingly, it was so good to be back and to see the clients.

“They were so happy to have a pamper and they followed every guideline that we set, which was pleasing to see.

“It’s nice to have a bit of normality back.”

• Pretty Green Eyes Makeup and Beauty

10-11 Charles Street

Wrexham

01978 788307

• 10% discount to NHS workers and students

• The salon offers a wide range of beauty treatments: acrylic nails, shellac, Builder Gel Makeup, facial waxing and tinting, semi permanent lashes, lash lift and tints, dermaplaning, manicures and pedicures.